Kent State University Leaf 45
This leaf is from a Book of Hours made in France in the later fifteenth century, and its text conforms very clearly to the Use of Paris. The vellum is very well prepared, and measures 18.5 x 13 cm; the text block is ruled in red, and the main ink is a dark slate color. The formation of the letters, both in shape and in position above the ruling, gives them a slightly insubstantial quality; there are, moreover, a surprising number of grammatical and other scribal errors in these leaves. Simple vines of red, blue, and gold flower buds ascend and descend from at least one large initial on each leaf; the blue ink used for the decoration is especially vivid. See Denison University Leaf 45 for more information about this manuscript.
Text: Based on the leaves we have seen, this Book of Hours accords with the Use of Paris: the leaves in the Ohio State University and Cleveland Institute of Art portfolios provide the best clues. This leaf contains text from the Hours of the Virgin at Matins, including Psalms 8 and 18.
Kent Leaf 45 Recto
Kent State University Leaf 45 Recto
Kent Leaf 45 Recto Transcription
universas, insuper et pecora campi.
Volucres caeli, et pisces maris: qui perambulant semitas maris.
Domine Dominus noster: quam admirabile est nomen tuum in universa terra. Psalmus.
Caeli enarrant gloriam Dei: et opera manuum eius annunciat firmamentum.
Kent Leaf 45 Recto Translation
[from Psalms 8] ...all oxen moreover also the cattle of the field.
The birds of the air, and fishes of the sea: that walk through the paths of the sea.
O Lord our Lord: how wonderful is thy name in the whole earth. Psalm.
[Psalms 18] The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the works of his hands.
Kent Leaf 45 Verso
Kent State University Leaf 45 Verso
Kent Leaf 45 Verso Transcription
Dies diei eructat verbum: et nox nocti indicat scientiam.
Non sunt loquellae, neque sermones: quorum non audiantur voces eorum.
In omnem terram exivit sonus eorum: et in fines orbis terrae verba eorum.
In sole posuit tabernaculum suum: et ipse tamquam sponsus procedens de thalamo suo.
Kent Leaf 45 Verso Translation
[continues Psalms 18] Day unto day uttereth word: and night unto night showeth knowledge.
There are no languages, nor speeches: whose voices are not heard.
Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and unto the ends of the round world the words of them.
He hath put his tabernacle in the sun: and himself as a bridegroom coming forth of his bridechamber.